Labor benefits in Guatemala 2026: complete guide
Every year the Ministry of Labor (MINTRAB) and the General Labor Inspection receive thousands of questions about labor benefits: what am I owed? how are they calculated? what share of my salary do they represent? This article answers those questions with quetzales numbers, and the Calcufast calculator adds them all up in one place.
What are labor benefits in Guatemala?
They are payments and benefits the law requires the employer to give in addition to the ordinary salary. The three main ones:
| Benefit | Amount | When paid | Legal basis | |---|---|---|---| | Aguinaldo | 1 ordinary salary | December (period Dec–Nov) | Decree 76-78 | | Bono 14 | 1 ordinary salary | By July 15 (period Jul–Jun) | Decree 42-92 | | Vacation | 15 business days + 30% vacation bonus | Upon completing the year (or prorated) | Labor Code |
Together, with a full year of work, they represent about 2.5 additional monthly salaries per year.
How to calculate labor benefits (step by step)
Aguinaldo and Bono 14 are calculated the same way: prorated to the months worked in their period.
Aguinaldo = monthly salary × months worked in the period ÷ 12
Bono 14 = monthly salary × months worked in the period ÷ 12
Vacation is calculated on the daily salary:
Vacation = (salary ÷ 30) × 15 business days
Vacation bonus = Vacation × 30%
Example with Q5,000 salary and a full year:
- Aguinaldo: Q5,000 × 12 ÷ 12 = Q5,000
- Bono 14: Q5,000 × 12 ÷ 12 = Q5,000
- Vacation: (Q5,000 ÷ 30) × 15 = Q2,500 + 30% bonus (Q750) = Q3,250
- Annual total: Q13,250 (monthly equivalent: ≈Q1,104)
What share of salary do benefits represent?
With a full year:
- Aguinaldo: 100% of one monthly salary
- Bono 14: 100%
- Vacation with bonus: 65% of one salary (15 business days = 50% + 30% bonus = 15%)
- Total: ≈265% of monthly salary (2.65 salaries), or about 22% additional per year spread over 12 months.
If you joined mid-period, the share drops proportionally: 6 months worked ≈ half of each benefit.
Benefits vs severance: don't confuse them
Severance (liquidación) is paid when the employment relationship ends and includes pending benefits, unused vacation, and — in the case of unjustified dismissal — indemnification. Annual benefits are paid whether or not you stay employed. For severance use the Guatemala severance calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Some employers prorate aguinaldo and Bono 14 into the monthly payroll. If so, the annual total is the same, but check that the monthly provision on your pay stub adds to your salary and does not replace it.
In general, aguinaldo and Bono 14 do not pay IGSS. For ISR there are specific exemption rules for the aguinaldo; check with your accountant or SAT for your case.
Aguinaldo and Bono 14 are prorated: Q5,000 × 6 ÷ 12 = Q2,500 of each. Vacation is prorated to days worked (plus the 30% bonus). The benefits calculator does it automatically.
Contact the Ministry of Labor (MINTRAB) or the General Labor Inspection. You can also use this article and the calculator to bring an estimated number and compare it with your pay stub.
Related calculators
- Annual benefits Guatemala: aguinaldo + Bono 14 + vacation in one place
- Aguinaldo: prorated by period
- Bono 14: July payment
- Guatemala severance: settlement on termination
- Guatemala payroll: total employer cost